Fellow researchers, as a scholar, historian and professor emeritus at Austin College, I have taught and written about Texas history for more than four decades. In doing this work, I've relied extensively on primary source materials to help illustrate and bring the rich history of our state alive. Content within UNT Libraries' Portal to Texas History does just that! The Portal has brought Texas' history to my fingertips, further augmenting my class presentations, with key images that inspire students and encourage lively discussion. Simply put, the Portal to Texas History is transforming how we research, write and teach Texas history!
Something so worthwhile cannot exist without significant investments from the university and our philanthropic community. For this reason, I personally support the Portal to Texas History, because I love the great state of Texas and its rich, colorful history. As 2018 draws to a close, and in this season of giving, I ask you to join me in helping UNT Libraries meet their NEH Challenge goal. Please join me in making a gift to support the Portal to Texas History!

Description:
Patent for a new and improved spring-saddle. This design consists in "[t]he combination, with the saddle-tree, the spiral springs secured in pairs under the lateral halves of the saddle-tree, and the stirrup-straps, of the metallic plates each provided with a series of holes about its edge for securing padding thereto, and with a notch and a slit at the middle of one side for the passage of the stirrup-straps" (lines 57-64).

Description:
Patent for a new and improved harness saddle. This design "consist[s] of the central arched portion, having the central perforation and side notches, the hook having the screw and nut and lugs, and the jockeys, the latter hinged to the arch . . . and the pads" (lines 65-70).

Description:
Patent for a new and improved military saddle. This design is "so constructed that the valises and other equipments may be connected with the saddle in such a way as to distribute and balance their weight, and at the same time make the saddle comfortable for the rider. The invention consists in constructing a saddle with appliances to receive valises, a pair of girths, a gun, and an overcoat" (lines 19-28).

Description:
Patent for a new and improved saddle. This design consists in "the combination, with the divided tree and the shortened seat-leather, of the stirrup-leathers, which pass entirely across the tree in front of and abutting the front edge of the seat-leather, the upper surfaces of such abutting parts being flush" (lines 87-93).

Description:
Two men are in front of the Saint George building. One man is standing in the center of the picture, between two horses, and he has a rope in his hands. The second man is to the right of the first man. He is sitting on the other horse.

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